REVISION NOTES
IGCSE Edexcel Physics
3.2 The Electromagnetic Spectrum
3.2.1 Know that light is part of a continuous electromagnetic spectrum that includes radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma ray radiations, and that all these waves travel at the same speed in free space
3.2.2 Know the order of the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of decreasing wavelength and increasing frequency, including the colours of the visible spectrum
3.2.3 Explain some of the uses of electromagnetic radiations, including:
- radio waves: broadcasting and communications
- microwaves: cooking and satellite transmissions
- infrared: heaters and night vision equipment
- visible light: optical fibres and photography
- ultraviolet: fluorescent lamps
- x-rays: observing the internal structure of objects and materials, including for medical applications
- gamma rays: sterilising food and medical equipment
3.2.4 Explain the detrimental effects of excessive exposure of the human body to electromagnetic waves, including:
- microwaves: internal heating of body tissue
- infrared: skin burns
- ultraviolet: damage to surface cells and blindness
- gamma rays: cancer, mutation
and describe simple protective measures against the risks
